The debate over whether dogs can safely eat bones is a long-standing one. While some people argue that it is an important part of a dog’s diet, others contend that it could be dangerous.
So, what is the truth? Can dogs safely eat bones? Let’s take a look.
Risks of Giving a Dog Bones
The biggest risk associated with giving a dog bones to chew on is the potential for choking or intestinal blockage. Bones can easily splinter and create sharp edges, which can be very dangerous for your pet.
Additionally, small pieces of bone may become lodged in your dog’s digestive tract, leading to serious health problems such as vomiting and diarrhea.
For this reason, it is important to only give your dog bones that are large enough that there is no risk of them becoming lodged in their throat or intestines.
Types of Bones Suitable for Dogs
While many types of bones are considered safe for dogs to chew on (such as rawhide chews), there are certain types that should never be given to them. These include cooked poultry or beef bones, as they can easily splinter and cause internal damage.
Additionally, any type of bone from animals such as fish or sheep should be avoided due to the potential for heavy metal poisoning if ingested in large quantities.
When Should Dogs Not Eat Bones?
The general rule of thumb is that dogs should not eat bones unless they are supervised by an adult human at all times.
This will ensure that the bone does not become lodged in their throat or intestines and prevent any injuries resulting from sharp pieces breaking off and being swallowed by accident.
Additionally, if your dog has any existing health conditions such as diabetes, kidney failure, or heart disease then feeding them bones should be avoided altogether as these illnesses can exacerbate any problems caused by ingestion of sharp pieces of bone.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while there are risks involved when feeding a dog bones, this does not mean that they cannot enjoy them occasionally if done safely and responsibly with proper supervision.
If you choose to give your pup a bone make sure it’s large enough so it won’t get lodged in their throat or intestines and avoid cooked poultry or beef bones entirely due to the potential for splintering and creating sharp edges which could harm your pet internally if swallowed accidentally without monitoring from an adult human.
As long as you stick to these guidelines then allowing your pup an occasional bone chew can be both enjoyable and beneficial for them!
